Isola Bella
Ask ThatchGPT
Recommend a local expert to help plan my Sicily trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Sicily trip
What foods do Sicily locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Sicily
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Sicily
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Sicily
What people say
Chiara Viscuso
Available for hire
"Located just at the feet of Taormina, Isola Bella is one of those picture-perfect spots.
With its small pebble beach and little island accessible by foot at low tide, it’s great for snorkelling and snapping photos.
It's around 1-hour drive north from Catania on the A18. You will need to park near the Mazzarò cable car and then walk down.
Get here early for parking and to find a good spot. Bring water shoes because the beach is pebbly, and snorkelling gear if you have it.
There is a free area where you can just lay your towel and private lidos, which provide a more comfortable but expensive solution. "
Read more in:
Catherine Fabrizio
"Known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea (and for its starring role in the second series of The White Lotus), Isola Bella is a semicircular pebble beach just minutes from the hilltop town of Taormina (via cable car). Rent a sunbed here (neatly lined up, as is often the form in Sicily), and bring a snorkel for the surrounding marine park and its crystal clear waters. The tiny isle, once owned by British gardener, folly designer and pioneering wildlife conservationist Florence Trevelyan, is only accessible from the mainland by a thin strip of sand during low tide, just off Lido Mazzaro."
Read more in:
Petra Hus
Available for hire
"Isola Bella, often called the Pearl of the Ionian Sea, is a charming small island near Taormina, Sicily. Nestled in a picturesque bay of the Ionian Sea, it was once privately owned by Florence Trevelyan. Since 1990, it has been part of a nature reserve managed by the World Wide Fund for Nature's Italian branch. A narrow path frequently connects the island to the mainland beach. Surrounded by sea grottos, Isola Bella features a small, rocky beach that is a favourite spot for sunbathers."
Read more in:
Mentioned in these guides
About Isola Bella
Get the inside scoop on Isola Bella from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Isola Bella reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.
Address
Save this spot for later or start mapping out a new trip today
Try our AI Travel Assistant and get instant answers to any questions about your trip.
Ask ThatchGPT